Spring in New England can be quite a fickle thing. Hot enough to remind us of Summer and cold enough to have us reaching for a sweatshirt and considering if thermals make sense in May. Growers of all sorts sit on the fence wondering whether or not to plant, a tough decision to make often resulting in success but all too often resulting in heartbreak. On farm though temperatures did reach near freezing and sprinklers were briefly clogged with ice, Star Light was sparred any heartbreak. A May frost is and has been enough of a reality that when one comes we should take it as a reminder to keep our veggie starts close and our frost protection even closer.
In more pleasant farm and weather news Saturdays rain was much needed and heavy enough only to delay our planting schedule a day or too. As always the inclement weather was no match for the fierce loyalty of the Good Food people, who were out in full force supporting all the vendors at Saturday’s market. This sort of loyalty and consistency not only fills our hearts with joy, but allows us to harvest with confidence. Two simple things that have us feeling more grateful every time it rains(just hopefully not too much).
Last week marked the return of the Durham Farmer’s Market and it felt great to be back. It was as if we hadn’t skipped a beat seeing familiar faces and rekindling conversations never finished last season. After one more market on the Green this week, next week we will be relocating down the road to the New Community Center, same day and time different location 144 Pickett Lane Durham , CT 06422. The Friday market in Madison has been great starting off, a sign that it will be an excellent season there. Friday June 16th there will not be a Madison Farmers’ Market due to the town graduation ceremony being held on the green. The good news is you have your choice of Durham, New Haven and Chester that week to come and get your fix of the farmers’ market and Star Light Gardens.
As you could imagine the actual on farm business in going in all directions and though we do have a lot of balls in the air, controlled chaos is par for the course. We barely put a dent in the seed potatoes last week however, tomorrow may be referred to as spud Tuesday(french fries not included). More choys, turnips, the last of the onions, peppers and beets all went in last week. More peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, squash and maybe melons will be joining them this week and who knows what other surprise guest will also be joining them in the ground. Of course beside the transplanting there is the seeding and the prep, you all know the mantra. The plant sale continues in earnest with more cukes and squash as well as the final tomatoes and peppers being re potted today. Remember our 10 for 50 sale is going on as long as we have plants but some varieties are selling out fast.
Have a great week
